MSC targets more Olympic class megaships

The ship classification society, GNV DL – which classed MSC’s “biggest ship in the world”, the 19 924 TEU MSC Oscar – said that the line now has 18 more vessels of that size on order.



These deliveries could move MSC into the position of being the largest container shipping line in the world.



And it’s a fast-build programme on these seagoing giants.



The Oscar’s construction took only 11 months to be completed from steel cutting to delivery, which included extensive commissioning and sea trials. And the next of these vessels, MSC Oliver, also with DNV GL class, is expected for delivery in April.



This class of vessel measures in at 395.4 metres long, 59m wide and with a draft of 16m.



And these dimensions make for another interesting point. In less than 20 years the loading capacity of container vessels has more than tripled – with the length of the biggest vessels jumping from just over 300m to 400m during that time.